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The North Yorkshire MP Anne McIntosh says it'd be 'undemocratic' if she wasn't given another go at being selected as the Tory candidate for Thirsk and Malton. Despite being in parliament for seventeen years, the Conservative MP was dropped by her local party last month.

She now wants another vote on who should be the Tory candidate - this time giving all of her constituents a say. Our Political Correspondent Paul Brand has the story.

A senior Conservative has reiterated praise for a backbencher sacked by her own constituency association ahead of the next General Election.

Anne McIntosh has been ousted from her seat Credit: Press Association

Commons Leader Andrew Lansley offered fresh endorsement for Anne McIntosh, who has been de-selected by her Thirsk and Malton constituency in North Yorkshire after 17 years as MP.

Mr Lansley said: "I reiterate what I said last week - we in this House value very much what you do as chair of the environment, food and rural affairs select committee and on behalf of your constituents.

"Speaking entirely personally, may I say from that point of view I very much regret the decision that was taken by Thirsk and Malton constituency association last week."

Ms McIntosh had urged Mr Lansley to work with the Church of England to set up a mechanism for people to donate to a relief fund for people affected by flooding.